Past president won't go away

Started by KarenD7 • 6 replies • 1134 views

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KarenD7 (Tennessee)
Posts: 1

Posted:

We have attached home or cluster homes, duplexes and stand alone homes in our neighborhood. My husband , who is presently acting Oresident, and I have lu ex here for 41/2 years. The past president was single handed running the board/ neighborhood for longer and 5 years. In January 2018 several homeowners decided to look into why our HOA fees continue to rise. They met much resistance from the then Presudent. Much "warring" went on and now my husband is the appointed president until elections in December. He (we) have been undermined, criticized, and verbally attacked. The past president will not stop. He has one lady who is assisting him in the onslaught of attacks and undermining.

How do we stop this, so that we can move forward with community, unencumberef by this abuse?

Need advice,
Thank you
Karen Daly

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

Welcome to the Forum. Sorry you two are under attack.

Are you/he being verbally attacked at meetings? Or via gossip?

How did your husband get "appointed" as "acting" president? By whom?
What do your bylaws say about officers and directors?
Are there any other directors on your board? How many are there supposed to be according to you bylaws?

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

You can't control that individuals actions.

You stop gossip and open attacks by pointing to facts and let the facts speak for themselves.

I'd suggest a newsletter and the following actions:

Hire a CPA for an audit to be done - report that an audit is being done in the letter.
Perform a Reserve study if one hasn't been done - report this in the letter.
Explain the process of elections in the newsletter
Thank the individual for serving (they did keep things going for 5 years).

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Been there... Done that... Got the *&^(& T-shirt!

They say the one that lies first tells the best lie... Something learned the hard way with an ex-president. He too had been in charge for many years before I took over. He was a piece of work. Many long term owners did know his history but the new ones are the ones that kept him alive. They never believed till they experienced it themselves.

So I found the best way is not the easiest way. Don't get defensive. Don't feel like you need to engage on their level. Stay a level higher. Don't knee jerk react. React with fact and if possible in writing referencing the rules. Keep you where you want to be and achieve.

I also changed and established procedures. Things like "3 bids for every contract". "6 months behind, we liened. 1 year behind we considered foreclosure". Must submit in writing your request and to be read at the open board meeting if you can't attend the meeting. Otherwise you had to attend the meeting in person for your request.

Found if you keep open and transparent, people respond. Show your hard work but don't brag. Do something noticeable like pull weeds at the front entrance area. Let them SEE the work and not the rumors or lies. I created a separate neighborhood watch so people saw how much cared.

It does pay off when you can show and be what you dream. It never shows when you practice to deceive....

Former HOA President

GenoS (Florida)
Posts: 4,276

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By TimB4 on 10/02/2017 3:27 PM
You stop gossip and open attacks by pointing to facts and let the facts speak for themselves.

Res ipsa loquitur. Let them gossip, start rumors, whispering campaigns and lie about things all they want. When the verifiable facts are on your side you are in a superior position. As long as you don't let the BS get to you.

JanetB2 (Colorado)
Posts: 4,219

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By KerryL1 on 10/02/2017 10:47 AM
Welcome to the Forum. Sorry you two are under attack.

Are you/he being verbally attacked at meetings? Or via gossip?

How did your husband get "appointed" as "acting" president? By whom?
What do your bylaws say about officers and directors?
Are there any other directors on your board? How many are there supposed to be according to you bylaws?

I would have the same questions as Kerry.

SueW6 (Michigan)
Posts: 814

Posted:

Confused about "why our dues continued to rise."

How much are we talking about?

How was that able to happen? There should be minutes of meetings in which these raises were approved, UNLESS it says in the bylaws that the Board can raise dues.

Your husband's strength lies in the association governing bylaws. HE should be well versed on the bylaws and CCRs. Go over all the previous minutes to the meetings and the treasurer's reports.

Otherwise, ignore these outside voices. Hold the meetings and keep on track.

If this guy is disrupting the board meetings, then go into closed session or tell him he must be recognized by the chair before he can speak.

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